Indian Railways Races Ahead with Vande Bharat Trains and Kavach Tech

23 Jan 2025 CW Team

Indian Railways is set to revolutionize its network under PM Gati Shakti and Atmanirbhar Bharat with initiatives like manufacturing 400 next-generation Vande Bharat trains and deploying Kavach, a world-class indigenous safety system. The Ministry of Finance emphasized this commitment in a recent update on X, stating, ""Indian Railways is selecting technology partners to indigenously manufacture energy-efficient Vande Bharat trains. #BudgetForViksitBharat.""

With 68 Vande Bharat Express trains already operational across 15 zones, Indian Railways aims to expand its fleet over the next three years. These trains, featuring advanced energy efficiency and superior passenger comfort, align with the 2022-23 budget’s focus on boosting domestic manufacturing. Recent developments include the finalization of contracts for 200 train sets under Tender No. WTA-527, while the tender for 100 aluminum-bodied train sets was discharged on administrative grounds.

In tandem, Kavach technology is enhancing railway safety and efficiency. As of October 2024, Kavach has been deployed across 1,548 route kilometers, covering sections in South Central Railway (e.g., Lingampalli-Vikarabad-Wadi and Manmad-Mudkhed-Dhone-Guntkal) and North Central Railway (Mathura-Palwal section). Kavach prevents collisions, augments capacity, and underscores India's push for self-reliance in railways.

These projects mark a significant step toward modernizing India's railway network and realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

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